Just got the information, that there is no train from Vladivostok to China, only buses.
@TBR-China: Thank you very much for your information, I have come across this a couple of times. I will see what happens, but as I said, there is no way for me to hire a guide ... and following your China rules ... I go for rule no. 1 ;-)
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-guide-78872-2
TIC = This is China!
1. Everything is possible in China.
2. Nothing is easy.
3. Patience is the essence of success.
4. The answer "yes" is not necessarily an indication of agreement or confirmation.
5. "You don't understand our country" means they disagree.
6. "Provisional regulations" mean they can change the rules any time they want, even retroactively.
7. "Basically, no problem" means a BIG problem.
8. "Signing a contract" means the beginning of the real negotiation.
9. When you are feeling optimistic, think about rule number two.
10. When you are feeling discouraged, think about rule number one.
11. If they tell you, that you know China very well, say NO - otherwise they'll show you, that you don't!